RU2616765C2 - Magnetic field probe, sealed by metal plug - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: use: to measure spatial-temporal changes in the magnetic field. The concept of invention is, that the magnetic field probe includes the container with the hollow cavity. The hollow cavity consists of a channel, connecting the hollow cavity with the outer surface of the container. The container additionally has a metal coating, enclosing the channel along the outer surface. The container additionally has a metal plug. The metal plug, at least partially, fills the channel. The metal gap forms a sealing gasket with metal coating. The magnetic field probe, additionally, has a sample containing fluorine-19. The sample, at least partially, fills the hollow cavity. The magnetic field probe, additionally, includes the antenna, adjacent to the container, for handling the magnetic spins of the fluid medium sample, and for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the fluid medium sample.

EFFECT: invention provides the possibility of container good sealing.

15 cl, 22 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to magnetic field probes for magnetic resonance imaging, in particular to sealing a sample in a magnetic field probe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During magnetic resonance imaging, the magnetic field may change during the capture of the magnetic resonance image. For example, switching magnetic field gradients can introduce unwanted magnetic field changes. The placement of foreign objects or even the presence of tissue can also affect the static magnetic field. Magnetic measurements can be used to correct for unwanted changes in the magnetic field.

A magnetic field probe is a probe or sensor that allows you to measure the spatio-temporal changes in a magnetic field. A magnetic field probe can be constructed by selecting a material that has a known nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal. The frequency of specific NMR resonances is a function of the magnetic field. In NMR spectrometers, the magnetic field strength is known, and thus, the spectrum can be used to identify the sample. For a magnetic field probe, the converse is true. Known material is placed in a magnetic field of unknown intensity, the spectra or arrangement of a particular resonance or resonances can then be used to determine the magnetic field strength.

US Patent Application No. 2009/0295389 A1 discloses a magnetic field probe and a method for manufacturing it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a magnetic field probe, a magnetic resonance imaging system, and, in independent claims, to a method for manufacturing a field probe. Embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

In clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the problem is that local magnetic fields are not exactly known due to environmental influences. The solution in question is to continuously measure the actual field in a number of places within the magnet using a so-called field probe. The main problem is that the field probe contains a liquid that continues to leak and / or evaporate, usually within a few months. Magnetic field probes typically contain fluorocarbons, such as perfluorinated hydrocarbons, to generate a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or MRI signal used to determine magnetic field strength. The difficulty in using many fluorocarbons is that they are extremely unstable and tend to evaporate easily. As indicated above, it can be difficult to seal fluorocarbons in a magnetic field probe for a long period of time. This problem can either lead to the need to periodically replace fluorocarbons in the field probe or the entire field probe.

Embodiments of the invention can solve this above problem and others by providing a field probe that contains a container with a hollow cavity. A hollow cavity is filled with a fluid sample containing an atomic particle with an atomic spin. There is a channel through the entrance of the container into the hollow cavity. On the outer surface of the hollow cavity there is metallization surrounding the channel. The metal plug is then used to at least partially fill the channel. The metal plug additionally forms a sealing gasket with metallization. This seal may reduce evaporation and / or loss of a fluid sample from a hollow cavity. This can provide a field probe that can be used longer.

In this context, a “magnetic field probe” or “field probe” includes a probe or sensor that measures the spatio-temporal changes of a magnetic field. A magnetic field probe can be constructed by selecting a material that has a known nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal. The frequency of specific NMR resonances is a function of the magnetic field. In NMR spectrometers, the magnetic field strength is known, and thus the spectrum can be used to identify the sample. For a magnetic field probe, the converse is true. Known material is placed in a magnetic field of unknown intensity, the spectra or arrangement of a particular resonance or resonances can then be used to determine the magnetic field strength.

A “machine-readable storage medium,” as used herein, includes any tangible storage medium that can store instructions that can be executed by a processor of a computing device. A computer-readable storage medium may also be referred to as a computer-readable permanent storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may also be called a tangible computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may also store data that may be available to a processor of a computing device. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: floppy disk, hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, USB flash drive, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), optical disk, magneto-optical disk and processor register file. Examples of optical discs include compact discs (CDs) and compact discs of DVD (DVD) format, for example CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, or DVD-R discs. The term computer-readable storage medium also refers to various types of recording media that a computing device can access through a network or communication lines. For example, data can be retrieved using a modem, over the Internet, or over a local area network.

“Computer memory” or “memory” is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer memory is any memory that is directly accessible to the processor. Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to: RAM memory, registers, and register files.

“Computer storage” or “storage” is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer storage is any non-volatile machine-readable storage medium. Examples of computer storage include, but are not limited to: a hard disk drive, a USB flash drive, a floppy disk, microprocessor card, DVD, CD-ROM, and solid state drive. In some embodiments, the computer storage may also be computer memory, or vice versa.

A “computing device”, as used herein, includes any device containing a processor. A “processor”, as used herein, includes an electronic component that is capable of executing a program or computer-executable instruction. References to a computing device containing a “processor” should be interpreted as containing possibly more than one processor or processor cores. The processor may, for example, be a multi-core processor. A processor may also refer to a plurality of processors within a single computing system or distributed among multiple computing systems. The term computing device should also be interpreted as referring possibly to a collection or network of computing devices, each of which contains a processor or processors. Many programs have their own instructions, executed by several processors, which can be in the same computing device or which can even be distributed across several computing devices.

A “user interface,” as used herein, is an interface that allows a user or operator to interact with a computer or computer system. A “user interface” may also be called a “human-machine interface”. The user interface may provide information or data to the operator and / or receive information or data from the operator. The user interface can provide data input from the operator to be received by the computer, and can provide data output for the user from the computer. In other words, the user interface may allow the operator to control or manipulate the computer, and the interface may enable the computer to indicate the effects of operator control or manipulation. Displaying data or information on a display or graphical user interface is an example of providing information to an operator. Data reception via keyboard, mouse, ball, touchpad, pointing device, graphic tablet, joystick, gamepad, webcam, headset, gear lever, steering wheel, pedals, wire gloves, dance floor mat, remote control Remote control and accelerometer are all examples of user interface components that allow receiving information or data from the operator.

A “hardware interface”, as used herein, includes an interface that allows a processor of a computing system to interact with and / or control an external computing device and / or device. The hardware interface may allow the processor to send control signals or instructions to an external computing device and / or instrument. The hardware interface may also enable the processor to communicate with an external computing device and / or device. Examples of the hardware interface include, but are not limited to: universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 port, parallel port, 1284 IEEE port, serial port, RS-232 port, IEEE-488 port, Bluetooth connection, wireless LAN connection, TCP / IP connection, Ethernet connection, control voltage interface, MIDI digital musical instrument interface, analog input interface and digital input interface.

Magnetic resonance (MR) data is defined here as recorded measurements of radio frequency signals, also referred to as MRI signals, MR signals or NMR signals emitted by atomic spins through an antenna of a magnetic resonance device during a magnetic resonance imaging scan. An image of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is defined here as a reconstructed two- or three-dimensional visual display of the anatomical data contained in the magnetic resonance imaging data. This visual display can be done using a computer.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a magnetic field probe for a magnetic resonance imaging system. The magnetic field probe contains a container with a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity contains a channel connecting the hollow cavity with the outer surface of the container. The container further comprises metallization surrounding the channel on the outer surface. The container further comprises a metal plug. A metal plug at least partially fills the channel. The metal plug forms a metallic gasket. In other words, there is an opening in the container that provides access to the hollow cavity. The environment of the entrance to the hole is metallization, which is glued or attached to the surface of the container surrounding the hole. Then there is a metal plug, which, at least partially, fills the hole and forms a sealing gasket on the metallization. The magnetic field probe further comprises a sample containing fluorine-19. The sample, at least partially, fills the hollow cavity. The magnetic field probe further comprises an antenna adjacent to the container for manipulating the magnetic spins or atomic spins of the fluid sample and for receiving magnetic resonance data from the fluid sample.

This embodiment may be advantageous because the metal plug forms a good metallized seal. Typical magnetic field probes that use fluorine-19 samples can have a problem in that the fluid or fluorine-19 material is very unstable and difficult to contain in a container. The use of a metal plug sealing using metallization can serve as a means of sealing fluorine-19 inside the magnetic field probe so that the life of the magnetic field probe can be longer.

“Metallization,” as used herein, includes the deposit of a thin film or layer of metal on a non-metallic surface. For example, metallization can be deposited on the surface surrounding the channel in any number of ways. Using plasma to spray metal to form metallization is one way to do this. Another method is to use electron beam sputtering or thermal evaporation in order to create an evaporated metal, which then condenses to form metallization around the channel. You can use a mask or other similar structure to form a metallization in such a way that not the entire container is covered.

In one embodiment, the fluid sample is a fluid. It, for example, can be a liquid at room temperatures or ordinary temperatures, which can be used to operate a magnetic resonance imaging system.

In another embodiment, metallization is chromium as the initial adhesive layer, followed by nickel and followed by gold. Gold can be used to bond gold between a metal plug and gold. In another embodiment, the metallization may be aluminum. This metal can be used to adhere to the surface of the container and can be used to adhere to gold and it is also compatible with magnetic resonance imaging.

In another embodiment, the metallization comprises a titanium layer.

In another embodiment, metallization is formed by stacks of various metals deposited at different points in time. For example, titanium, chromium, nickel and gold can be used in various stacks. In some embodiments, the metallization is annealed in an annealing furnace before the metal plug seals it.

In another embodiment, the container is made of dielectric material.

In another embodiment, the container is a rigid container. This embodiment may be advantageous because it provides a hollow cavity with a known size and shape. This can be used to estimate the strength of a magnetic resonance signal detected by an antenna.

In another embodiment, the container is a hermetically sealed structure. The use of a sealed clogged structure can be beneficial because it can prevent leakage of the fluid sample. A gasket, as used herein, includes a gasket that is impervious to a fluorine-19 sample.

In another embodiment, the hollow cavity contains a bubble in the sample to relieve expansion and contraction of the fluid sample. This embodiment may be advantageous because if there is a large temperature change, the fluid sample may expand or contract. If the fluid sample expands excessively, there may be a chance that the pressure will break through the metal plug.

In another embodiment, a portion of the hollow cavity is coated to maintain a preferred bubble position for the bubble. For example, the coating may be applied to a portion of the hollow cavity where a bubble is desired. In some embodiments, the coating may be a hydrophilic coating. Although the sample is not necessarily a water-based sample, the coating can change the surface tension, so that the bubble prefers to be in a place where there is a coating.

In another embodiment, the coating is any of the following: Teflon, AF-1600, and parylene. This embodiment may be advantageous because if the bubble is in a preferred location, the magnetic resonance signal from the sample will be more predictable. For example, if the bubble changes position relative to the antenna, this can affect the signal level. In addition, if the magnetic probe experiences a magnetic gradient through the sample, different parts of the sample can give different frequency components of the magnetic resonance signal. Having the bubble in the preferred place for the bubble, you can get more predictable and reliable results from the magnetic field probe.

In another embodiment, the container is at least partially made of quartz. In another embodiment, the container is at least partially made of alumina.

In another embodiment, the container comprises a bellows at least partially within a hollow cavity for discharging from thermal expansion and compressing a fluid image. This embodiment may be advantageous because the bellows has the same function as the bubble inside the hollow cavity. The bellows may be able to expand and contract, and thus may help prevent the rupture of the metal plug due to too high a pressure.

In another embodiment, the bellows may be inside a hollow cavity. In this embodiment, the bellows can be fully installed inside the hollow cavity.

In other embodiments, the implementation of the bellows may form part of the wall of the hollow cavity. For example, a portion of the wall or inner wall of the hollow cavity may be a flexible or bellows-like material. In yet another embodiment, the hollow cavity may be formed by the dielectric part and the other part of the container, it may be formed by a bellows.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the container forming the hollow cavity comprises at least one flexible member for relieving expansion and contraction of the fluid sample. This embodiment can be advantageous because the flexible element can provide some pressure reduction in order to prevent rupture due to the pressure of the sealing gasket which forms the metal plug with metallization.

In another embodiment, the container is completely filled with a fluid sample. In other words, there is no bubble and the flexible element provides pressure reduction.

In another embodiment, the container is formed by walls. The flexible member is part of the wall of the container.

In another embodiment, the container is formed by walls. A flexible element is formed by all the walls of the container.

In another embodiment, the flexible member is a bellows.

In another embodiment, the bellows is made of metal or contains metal. A gasket made of metal with glass or metal with aluminum oxide is possible for fixing a metal bellows to glass, aluminum oxide or quartz.

In another embodiment, the container is made, at least in part, of glass, alumina or quartz.

In another embodiment, the atomic particles are hydrogen.

In another embodiment, the atomic particles are deuterium.

In another embodiment, the atomic particles are fluorine-19.

In another embodiment, the sample contains any of the following: perfluorinated hydrocarbon; hexafluorobenzene; hexafluoro-2,3-bis (trifluoromethyl) -2,3-butanediol; hexafluoro-2-propanol; 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol; 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propanol; trifluoroacetic acid; hexafluorobenzene; perfluoro-15-crown-5 and their combinations.

In another embodiment, the sample contains at least one additive mixed with MP active substance. The additive is a complex of a divalent or trivalent metal cation with two or three equivalents, respectively, of a charge that neutralizes the ligand. The ligand is selected from the group consisting of: acetylacetonate, 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionate, hexafluoroacetylacetonate, acetate, tetramethylcyclopentadienyl, propylate and 2.2, 6,6-tetramethyl-5 3,5-heptanedione. The metal cation is selected from the group consisting of: Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, or any of the rare earth metals.

In another embodiment, the sample contains perfluoropinacol. The use of perfluoropinacol may be useful because it contains a high density of fluorine-19.

In another embodiment, the metal plug contains any of the following: gold, indium, platinum, palladium, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the outer dimensions of the field probe are less than 1 cm in all directions.

In another embodiment, the sample is not more than 1 mm in all directions. Its geometry should basically be fixed, but there are no strict requirements regarding its exact shape.

In another embodiment, the field probe is permanently sealed.

Preferably, it will have a life of at least 10 years.

In another embodiment, the probe for measuring the magnetic field strength must remain sealed during temperature fluctuations (from -20 ° C to + 80 ° C in accordance with standard EU marking requirements).

In another embodiment, conductive wires or an antenna for measuring the field, most likely 8 or more loops of wire, should be less than 1 mm from the sample.

In another embodiment, the container material should be non-conductive. The container may be made of dielectric.

In another embodiment, an evaporative and / or air pocket is present in a sealed fluid container. Evaporative and / or air pocket may be called a bubble. The bubble volume is preferably less than 10% of the total volume during operation at 15 ° C to 30 ° C. It is also preferable if the position of the bubble inside the hollow cavity remains constant.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising magnetic material to provide a visualization zone. The magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a radio frequency transceiver. The magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a magnetic field probe in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The field probe is connected to an RF transceiver. The field visualization probe is located in the visualization formation zone. The imaging zone, as used herein, includes a region with a magnetic field that is strong enough and uniform enough to perform magnetic resonance imaging. This embodiment may be advantageous since a magnetic field probe in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can be stored longer than a conventional magnetic field probe using fluorine. This may allow the magnetic resonance imaging system to operate or function for a longer period of time without the need for maintenance of the magnetic field probe.

In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a processor for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system. The magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a memory for storing computer-executable instructions. Following the instructions forces the processor to collect magnetic resonance data using a magnetic resonance imaging system. The execution of the instructions further forces the processor to calculate the magnetic field using magnetic resonance data.

In another embodiment, the execution of the instructions further forces the processor to collect magnetic resonance image data from the subject using a magnetic resonance imaging system. The execution of the instructions further causes the processor to calculate the corrected magnetic resonance data using the magnetic field strength and the magnetic resonance image data. The execution of the instructions further causes the processor to reconstruct the image from the corrected magnetic resonance data.

The actions performed by the processor when executing the instructions in the above embodiments may also be used as process steps. Machine-executable instructions that are executed by the processor in previous embodiments may also be stored as a computer program product. The computer program product may, for example, be stored on a permanent computer-readable medium.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a magnetic field probe. The method comprises the step of providing a container with a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity contains a channel connecting the hollow cavity with the outer surface of the container. The container further comprises metallization surrounding the channel on the outer surface. The method further comprises the step of filling the hollow cavity at least partially with a fluid sample containing an atomic particle with atomic spin. The container contains an antenna adjacent to the container for manipulating the magnetic spins or atomic spins of the sample atoms and for receiving magnetic resonance data from the fluid sample. In some embodiments, the antenna is already adjacent to the hollow cavity of the container. In other embodiments, the method further comprises the step of providing the antenna and attaching the antenna to the container.

The method further comprises filling the channel at least partially with a metal plug. The metal plug forms a metallic gasket.

In another embodiment, a sealing gasket between the metal plug and the metallization is formed using a thermo-sound clutch. The use of thermosonic coupling is known from the coupling of metal conductors to metallization on semiconductors. A machine that both presses a metal plug into place and then exerts pressure while it vibrates using ultrasound can be used to effect thermosonic clutch.

In another embodiment, the sample is a fluid.

In another embodiment, a hollow cavity is created by performing the step of placing the container in a vacuum. The hollow cavity is then filled by performing the step of immersing the channel in the sample. The sample may be a fluid and may boil after the air or atmosphere surrounding the container and the sample has been evacuated. The filling of the hollow cavity is then carried out by venting the vacuum to atmospheric pressure. The channel is filled with a metal plug after venting the vacuum. Since the container was placed in a vacuum, all air or other gases inside the hollow cavity were evacuated. Placing the channel in a fluid sample and then venting the vacuum to atmospheric pressure causes the sample or fluid to enter the hollow cavity, filling it. Now, with the sample at least partially filling the hollow cavity, the channel is filled with a metal plug sealing it in this way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

In FIG. 1 shows a field probe in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 2 shows an example of a container that can be used to construct a magnetic field probe;

In FIG. 3 shows how the magnetic field probe shown in FIG. 1, is filled with a fluid sample;

In FIG. 4 shows the magnetic field probe shown in FIG. 1, after the channel has been sealed;

In FIG. 5-10 show the manufacture of a magnetic field probe with a flexible container;

In FIG. 11 shows the finished magnetic field probe shown in FIG. 10, with convex walls;

In FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a magnetic field probe in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a magnetic field probe in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 14 shows a container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 15 shows an alternative container in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 17 shows a constructed prototype of a container similar to that shown in FIG. 16;

In FIG. 18 is a drawing of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 19 shows a constructed example of a container similar to that shown in FIG. eighteen;

In FIG. 20 shows an example of a magnetic resonance imaging system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

In FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

in FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging system in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The numbered elements in these figures are either equivalent elements, or perform the same function. Elements that were discussed earlier will not necessarily be discussed in the following figures, if the function is the same.

In FIG. 1 shows a magnetic field probe 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, the magnetic field probe 100 is not yet filled with a fluid sample. The magnetic field probe 100 comprises a container 104 surrounded by an antenna 102. The view shown in FIG. 1 is a sectional view or sectional view. The container 104 has a hollow cavity 106. The container 104 has an outer surface 109. There is a channel 110 that connects the outer surface 109 with the hollow cavity 106. The channel 110 can be used to fill the container 104 with a fluid sample. There is a metallization 108 on the outer surface 109 surrounding the channel 110. The metallization 108 is hereinafter used to form a gasket to close the channel 110.

In FIG. 2 shows an example of a container 200 that can be used to construct a magnetic field probe. The container is formed of an upper plate 202, a lower plate 204, and a cylinder 206. The upper plate 202 and the lower plate 204 are hermetically sealed with gaskets at both ends of the cylinder 206. No antenna or coil is shown in this Figure. Also, as shown in this FIG. 2, there is an optional connecting pipe 208 that allows the pipe to be connected to the container 200. The channel is located on the bottom plate 204 and is not visible in this Figure.

FIG. 3 is used to illustrate how a magnetic field probe 100 is filled with a fluid sample 300. As shown in this Figure, the hollow cavity is now shown filled with fluid sample 300 with the exception of bubble 302. In some embodiments, there may be a coating on surface 304 where bubble 302 is in contact with container 104. Material on surface 304 can be used to force bubble 302 Take your preferred location or place. In this example, channel 110 is still not sealed.

Sample 300 experiences vapor pressure. If the hollow cavity is filled at a temperature above the freezing point, the vapor bubble 302 remains in the container.

After filling the container, the vapor bubble 302 will remain fixed at the container wall due to the predominance of interfacial forces (between the liquid / vapor / wall) over gravity. If desired, the place where the vapor bubble is located can be forcefully ensured by a local change in the interfacial tension of the interior of the hollow cavity or by a sealed structure gasket. This can be achieved by coating, for example, Teflon, AF-1600, parylene, etc.

In FIG. 4 shows a magnetic field probe 100 shown in FIG. 1, after the channel has been sealed. Channel 110 was partially filled with a metal plug 400. A metal plug 400 forms a seal 402 with metallization 108.

The last step shown in FIG. 4 consists in sealing the channel 110 between the inner 300 and the outer volumes 109. This is achieved by introducing a deformable material 400, such as a metal plug made of, for example, indium or gold, into the groove and then ultrasonic welding of this material with metallization with a sealing substrate 108 located on the outside of the hermetically sealed structure. The final state will be as follows.

In FIG. 5-10 show the manufacture of a magnetic field probe with a flexible container shown in FIG. 5 is a rectangular structure or box 500. The views of FIG. 5-11 are a cross section. In an alternative embodiment, structure 500 is a tube.

In this embodiment, the container body is flexible.

Standard glass / sintering technologies can be used to completely seal the container. Technologies, such as those known from the production of metal halide lamps, can be performed precisely with very good sealing ability.

In FIG. 6, the box 500 has ends corrugated together to form a container 600. The container 600 is now sealed and has a hollow cavity 602. A corrugated end 604 at each end of the box 500 seals the container 600.

The next process step is shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, a channel 700 was cut through the container 600. The channel 700 forms a passage between the hollow cavity 602 and the outer surface 702 of the container 600.

The next step in the manufacturing process is shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, metallization 800 was deposited on an outer surface 702 surrounding a channel 700. FIG. 9, container 600 had a hollow cavity filled with a fluid sample 900. The container 600 may be filled with a fluid sample, for example, using the previously described vacuum technology.

In FIG. 10, channel 700 is shown as being sealed, at least in part, with a metal plug 1000. The metal plug 1000 forms a seal 1002 with metallization 800.

With the addition of a coil or antenna, the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, would be a complete magnetic field probe.

In FIG. 11 shows the same embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, except that in this case, the pressure of the fluid sample 900 relative to the pressure outside the container 600 is higher than that shown in FIG. 10. Instead of plugs 1000, breaking out, there are convex walls 1100, which are able to provide pressure relief.

In FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a magnetic field probe in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 1200, a container is provided with a hollow cavity and a channel for filling the hollow cavity. Next, at step 1202, the hollow cavity is filled with a fluid sample containing an atomic isotope or particle with atomic or magnetic spin. At 1204, the channel is filled, at least in part, with a metal plug in order to seal it.

In FIG. 13 is a flowchart that illustrates a method in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. At 1300, the container is provided with a hollow cavity and a channel for filling the hollow cavity. Next, at step 1302, the container is placed in a vacuum. This may be, for example, placing the container inside the vacuum chamber and evacuating the vacuum chamber. Next, at step 1304, the channel is immersed in a fluid sample containing an atomic isotope or particle with atomic or magnetic spin. The terms atomic or magnetic spin are used interchangeably herein. The fluid sample is also in vacuum. It should be noted that the fluid sample may boil due to vacuum. Next, at step 1306, the vacuum is ventilated. All air and gas in the hollow cavity was removed when it was placed in a vacuum. Therefore, when the vacuum is ventilated, the pressure returning to the vacuum chamber causes the fluid sample to flow into the hollow cavity of the container.

And finally, at step 1308, the channel, at least partially, is filled with a metal plug. This seals the channel prevents the exit or leakage of a fluid sample.

In FIG. 14 shows a container 1400 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The container 1400 is constructed from bellows 1402. At the upper end, there is a place 1404 for the upper plate, which is not shown. The lower portion of the bellows 402 is sealed with a lower plate 1406. The lower plate may include a channel and metallization to fill. This is not shown in this Figure. Bellows 1402 are flexible in order to cope with fluid expansion, which is a function of temperature. The bellows are connected to the upper and lower plates 1406 in order to form sealed gaskets. There is a hollow cavity 1410. In this embodiment, the surface coil can be placed, for example, on the upper plate or lower plate 1406.

In FIG. 15 shows an alternative embodiment of a container 1500 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. There is a first pipe 1502 and a second pipe 1504. A second pipe 1504 can slide inside the first pipe 1502. The first pipe 1502 has one end sealed with the upper plate 1506. The first pipe 1502 and the upper plate 1506 form a gasket. The second tube 1504 is sealed to the bottom plate 1508 using a sealed gasket. The combinations of the first tube 1502 and the second tube 1504 form a hollow cavity 1510 with a variable volume. The tubes may be ground so that the first tube 1502 and the second tube 1504 form a sealing gasket to retain a sample of the fluid inside the container.

In FIG. 16 shows a container 1600 that can be used to construct a magnetic field probe. Container 1600 includes a tube 1602 that is sealed with upper plate 1604 and lower plate 1606. There is a hollow cavity 1608 filled with fluorine-198 fluid 1608. Inside the hollow cavity 1608, there are two bellows 1610 that are there for expansion and contraction in order to compensate for pressure changes in the sample 1608. A coil (or antenna) can be attached to the tube 1602 to complete the magnetic field probe.

The bottom plate 1606 may include a channel and metallization to fill. This is not shown in this Figure. Bellows 1610 can handle expansion of the fluid, which is a function of temperature. The bellows can be connected to the upper and / or lower plate in order to form a gasket. The bellows can also be arranged as one bellows in one corner or edge of the hollow cavity.

In FIG. 17 shows a constructed prototype of a container similar to that shown in FIG. 16. In this example, there is a container 1700. Inside the container contains a bellows 1702. The fluid container has a built height of 9 mm and a diameter of 5 mm. The bellows 1702 are located inside the hollow cavity and have a diameter of 2 mm. An additional connecting pipe 208 is also shown in this Figure.

In FIG. 18 is a drawing of a container 1800 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. There is a connecting pipe that connects the container 1800 to the bellows 1804. The expansion and contraction of the bellows 1804 allows the fluid inside the container 1800 to maintain a constant pressure. Bellows 1804 are connected to extension tube 1806.

In FIG. 19 shows a constructed example of an embodiment of a container similar to that shown in FIG. eighteen.

In FIG. 20 shows an example of a magnetic resonance imaging system 2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The magnetic resonance imaging system 1000 comprises a magnet 2004. The magnet 2004 is a cylindrical superconducting magnet 2004 with a tunnel 2006 through it. Magnet 2004 has a liquid helium-cooled cryostat with superconducting coils. In addition, permanent or resistive magnets can be used. It is also possible to use various types of magnets, for example, you can also use both a divided cylindrical magnet and the so-called open magnet. A divided cylindrical magnet is similar to a standard cylindrical magnet, except that the cryostat was divided into two parts in order to allow access to the isometric plane of the magnet, such magnets can, for example, be used in combination with charged particle beam therapy. An open magnet has two magnet sections, one above the other with a gap between them that is large enough to accept the subject: the layout of the area of the two sections is similar to the Helmholtz coil. Open magnets are popular because the subject is less isolated. Inside the cryostat of a cylindrical magnet there is a collection of superconducting coils. Inside the tunnel 2006 of the cylindrical magnet 2004 there is an imaging zone 2008, where the magnetic field is strong and uniform enough to perform magnetic resonance imaging.

Inside the magnet tunnel 2006, there is also a set of magnetic field gradient coils 2010 that are used to collect magnetic resonance data for spatial coding of magnetic spins or atomic spins in the magnet 2004 visualization zone 2008. The magnetic field gradient coils 2010 are connected to a power supply 2012 of the magnetic field gradient coils. The 2010 magnetic field gradient coils are intended to be representative. Typically, magnetic field gradient coils 2010 comprise three separate sets of coils for spatial coding in three orthogonal spatial directions. A magnetic field gradient power supply supplies current to the magnetic field gradient coils. The current supplied to the magnetic field gradient coils 2010 is controlled as a function of time and may be sawtooth or pulsed.

Adjacent to the visualization zone 2008 is the RF coil 2014 for manipulating the orientations of magnetic spins, atomic spins within the visualization zone 2008 and for receiving radio transmissions from the spins also within the visualization zone 2008. A radio frequency antenna may comprise a plurality of coil elements. An RF antenna may also be referred to as a channel or antenna. The RF coil 2014 is connected to the RF transceiver 2016. The RF coil 2014 and the RF transceiver 2016 can be replaced by separate transmitter and receiver coils and a separate transmitter and receiver. It is understood that the RF coil 2014 and the RF transceiver 2016 are representative. The RF coil 2014 is also intended to represent a dedicated transmit antenna and a dedicated receive antenna. Similarly, the 2016 transceiver may also be separate transmitters and receivers.

Subject 2018 is placed on support 2020 for the subject within the tunnel 2006 of magnet 2004. Subject 2018 is partially within the 2008 visualization zone. Inside the visualization zone 2008, a magnetic field probe 2022 is visible. The magnetic field probe 2022 may also represent a plurality of field probes. For example, a plurality of field probes 2022 may be located at various places within the tunnel 2006 of a magnet 2004. This may allow a spatio-temporal change in changes in the magnetic field. A field probe or probes 2022 may be mounted on a RF coil 2014, they may lie freely on a subject 2018, or they may be mounted inside a magnet tunnel 2006.

The power source 2012 of the magnetic field gradient coils and transceiver 2016 are connected to the hardware interface 2028 of the computer system 2026. The computer system 2026 further comprises a processor 2030. The processor 2030 is connected to the hardware interface 2028, user interface 2034, computer storage 2036, and computer memory 2038.

Computer storage is shown as containing magnetic resonance data 2040 and image magnetic resonance data 2042. Magnetic resonance data 2040, 2042 were collected by a magnetic resonance imaging system 2000. Computer storage 2036 is further shown as containing a magnetic field map 2044, which was reconstructed from magnetic resonance data 2040. Computer storage 2036 is further shown as containing adjusted magnetic resonance data 2045, which was calculated using a magnetic field map 2044 and magnetic resonance image data 2042. Computer storage 2036 is further shown as containing an image 2046 that has been reconstructed from adjusted magnetic resonance data 2045. Computer storage 2036 is further shown as comprising a pulse train 2048. The pulse train as used herein is a set of instructions that allows the magnetic resonance imaging system 2000 to collect magnetic resonance data 2040, 2042.

Computer memory 2038 is shown as comprising a control module 2050. The control module 2050 contains computer-executable instructions that allow the processor to control the operation and function of the magnetic resonance imaging system 2000. For example, the control unit 2050 may use a pulse train 2048 to generate instructions that allow the processor 330 to collect magnetic resonance data 2040, 2042. Computer memory 2038 is further shown as comprising a magnetic field calculation module 2052. Magnetic field calculation module 2052 2052 contains computer-executable instructions that allow processor 2030 to compute a magnetic field map 2044 from magnetic resonance data 2040. Computer memory 2038 is further shown as comprising a data correction module 2054. The data correction module 2054 comprises a computer-executable computational code that allows the processor 2030 to calculate the corrected magnetic resonance data 2045 from the magnetic field map 2044 and the magnetic resonance image data 2042. Computer computing memory 2038 further comprises an image reconstruction module 2056. The image reconstruction module 2056 contains computer-executable code that allows the processor 2030 to reconstruct the image 2046 from the corrected magnetic resonance data 2045.

In FIG. 21 is a flowchart that illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 2100, magnetic resonance data is collected. Next, at step 2102, using magnetic resonance data, the magnetic field strength is calculated. In some embodiments, fluorine magnetic resonance data is collected from a plurality of field probes. In this case, the magnetic field strength at different locations in space can be calculated. In addition, magnetic resonance data may be collected for many periods of time or continuously during the collection of magnetic resonance image data. For this reason, the magnetic field strength may have a spatial and / or temporal dependence. In other words, a multidimensional map of the magnetic field, which varies with time, can also be calculated using the method shown in FIG. 21.

In FIG. 22 is a flowchart that illustrates a method in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. In step 2200, magnetic resonance data is collected. At step 2202, magnetic resonance image data is collected. Steps 2200 and 2202 may be performed in any order and may also be performed simultaneously. Next, at step 2204, using magnetic resonance data, the magnetic field strength is calculated. In some embodiments, the implementation of the magnetic field strength can be calculated before collecting the magnetic resonance image data. Next, at step 2206, using the magnetic field strength and the magnetic resonance image data, the corrected magnetic resonance data is calculated. Finally, at step 2208, the image is reconstructed from the corrected magnetic resonance data. Again, magnetic resonance data may be collected from a plurality of probes for measuring field strength and also over a plurality of time periods or intervals. For this reason, the corrected magnetic resonance data can be corrected for changes in the magnetic field both in time and in position.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and in the foregoing description, such illustrations and description are to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary, and not limiting; the invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

Having studied the drawings, disclosure and the attached claims, specialists in this field will be able to understand and implement in the practical implementation of the claimed invention other variations of the shown embodiments. In the claims, the word “comprises” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular forms do not exclude the plural. One processor or another unit can perform the functions of several elements listed in the claims. The mere fact that some measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored (distributed) on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state storage media supplied together or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference position in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE POSITIONS

100 magnetic field probe

102 antenna

104 container

106 hollow cavity

108 metallization

109 outer surface

110 channel

200 container

202 top plate

204 bottom plate

206 cylinder

208 additional connecting pipe

300 fluid sample

302 bubble

304 surface

400 cap

402 sealing gasket

500 box

600 container

602 hollow cavity

604 corrugated end

700 channel

702 outer surface

800 metallization

900 fluid sample

1000 stub

1002 sealing gasket

1100 convex wall

1400 container

1402 bellows

1404 place for top plate

1406 bottom plate

1408 hollow cavity

1500 container

1502 first tube

1504 second tube

1506 top plate

1508 bottom plate

1510 hollow cavity

1100 convex wall

1400 container

1402 bellows

1600 container

1602 tube

1604 top plate

1606 bottom plate

1608 filled hollow cavity

1610 bellows

1800 container

1802 connecting pipe

804 bellows

1806 tube

2000 magnetic resonance imaging system

2004 magnet

2006 magnet tunnel

2008 visualization zone

2010 gradient magnetic field coils

2012 Gradient Coil Magnetic Power Supply

2014 rf coil

2016 transceiver

2018 subject

2020 support for the subject

2022 field probe

2026 computer system

2028 hardware interface

2030 processor

2032 user interface

2034 user interface

2036 computer storage

2038 computer memory

2040 magnetic resonance data

2042 image magnetic resonance data

2044 magnetic field map

2045 adjusted magnetic resonance data

2046 pictures

2048 pulse train

2050 control module

2052 magnetic field calculation module

2054 data correction module

2056 image reconstruction module

Claims (26)

 1. A magnetic field probe (100, 2202), comprising: a container (104, 702, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800) with a hollow cavity (106, 602), in which the hollow cavity contains a channel (110, 700) connecting the hollow cavity with the outer surface (109, 702) of the container; the container further comprises metallization (108, 800) surrounding the channel on the outer surface, the container further comprising a metal plug (400, 1000), in which the metal plug fills the channel at least partially, and the metal plug forms a sealing gasket (402, 1002) with metallization; a fluid sample (300, 900, 1608) containing an atomic particle with a nuclear spin, wherein the sample at least partially fills the hollow cavity; an antenna (102) adjacent to a container for manipulating the magnetic spins of the fluid sample and for receiving magnetic resonance signals from the fluid sample. 2. The magnetic field probe according to claim 1, wherein the container is a rigid container (104). 3. The magnetic field probe according to claim 2, in which the hollow cavity contains a bubble (302) in the sample to release from expansion and contraction of the sample fluid. 4. The magnetic field probe according to claim 3, in which part (304) of the hollow cavity is coated to maintain a preferred bubble position for the bubble. 5. The magnetic field probe according to claim 2, in which the container contains a bellows (1610, 1702), at least partially, inside the hollow cavity to free from thermal expansion and compression of the fluid image. 6. The magnetic field probe according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the container forming the hollow cavity contains at least one flexible element (1100, 1402, 1804) to free from expansion and contraction of the fluid sample. 7. The magnetic field probe according to claim 6, in which the flexible element is a bellows (1402, 1804). 8. The magnetic field probe according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the atomic particle is any of the following: hydrogen, deuterium and fluorine-19. 9. The magnetic field probe according to claim 1, in which the atomic particle is fluorine-19, in which the sample contains any of the following: perforated hydrocarbon; perfluoropinacon; triflate; hexafluorobenzene; hexafluoro-2,3-bis (trifluoromethyl) -2,3-butanediol; hexafluoro-2-propanol; 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol; 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propanol; trifluoroacetic acid; hexafluorobenzene; perfluoro-15-crown-5, at least one additive mixed with MP active substance, wherein the additive is a complex of a divalent or trivalent metal cation with two or three equivalents of a ligand neutralizing charge, respectively, wherein the ligand is selected from the group consisting of : acetylacetonate, 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octadionate, hexafluoroacetylacetonate, acetate, tetramethylcyclopentadienyl, propylate and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-5 3,5-heptanedione, in which the specified metal cation is selected from the group holding: Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, or any of the rare earth metals; fluorinated ionic liquid at room temperature; a fluorine-containing ionic liquid in which the anion is tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, tetrafluoroaluminate, hexafluoroantimonate, hexafluoroarsenate, bis (trifluoromethane) sulfonimide, tris (trifluoromethyl sulfonyl) methyl or triflate, or combinations thereof. 10. The magnetic field probe according to claim 1, in which the metal plug contains any of the following: gold, indium, platinum, palladium, and combinations thereof. 11. A magnetic resonance imaging system (2000) comprising a magnet to provide a visualization zone (2008), the magnetic resonance imaging system further comprising a radio frequency transceiver (2016), the magnetic resonance imaging system further comprising a probe (100, 2202) magnetic field according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the field probe is connected to a radio frequency transceiver and in which the field probe is in the imaging zone. 12. The magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 11, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a processor for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnetic resonance imaging system further comprising a memory (2308) for storing computer-executable instructions (2050 , 2052, 2054, 2056), while the execution of the instructions forces the processor: - collect (2100, 2200) magnetic resonance data (2040) using a magnetic resonance imaging system; and - calculate (2102, 2104) magnetic field strength (2044) using magnetic resonance data. 13. A method of manufacturing a probe (100, 2022) of a magnetic field, the method comprising the steps of: - provide (1200, 1300) a container (104, 702, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800) with a hollow cavity (106, 602), in which the hollow cavity contains a channel (110, 700) connecting the hollow cavity with the outer surface (109, 702) containers; moreover, the container further comprises metallization (108, 800) surrounding the channel on the outer surface; - fill (1202, 1302, 1304, 1306) the hollow cavity, at least partially, with a fluid sample (300, 900, 1608) containing an atomic particle with a nuclear spin, the container containing an antenna (102) adjacent to the container, for manipulating the magnetic spins of the sample and to receive magnetic resonance signals from the sample fluid; and - fill (1308) the channel, at least partially, with a metal plug, in which the metal plug forms a sealing gasket (402, 1002) with metallization. 14. The method according to p. 13, where the sealing gasket between the metal plug and metallization is formed using a thermo-sound clutch. 15. The method according to p. 13 or 14, where the hollow cavity is filled by performing the steps in which: - place (1302) the container in a vacuum; - immerse (1304) the channel in a fluid sample; and - ventilate (1306) the vacuum to atmospheric pressure, at which the channel is filled with a metal plug after venting the vacuum.

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